ArtGeorge Service (UK) Limited, a small domiciliary care agency serving two people at the time of its first CQC inspection, was rated Good across all five key questions. Two recommendations were made regarding implementation of the Accessible Information Standard and use of enhanced DBS checks for care staff.
Concerns (2)
minor
Staff training
: “The service did only obtain basic disclosure and baring check (DBS)... all staff providing personal care to people were required to provide an enhanced DBS check.”
minorCommunication with families: “The registered manager demonstrated a limited understanding of the AIS and the implication to health and social care providers.”
Strengths
· People felt safe and protected from harm; one person stated they were '100% safe' with the agency.
· Detailed risk assessments were in place covering environment and personal care tasks.
· Person-centred care plans developed with involvement of people and relatives.
· Staff punctual and flexible; relatives confirmed carers always arrived on time.
· Registered manager demonstrated strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
Quality-Statement breakdown (21)
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Staff working with other agencies to provide consistent, effective, timely careGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: How the provider understands and acts on the duty of candourGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving care; Working in partnership with othersGood